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Abstract:

A method and device for mixing substances to form a mixture that can he
administered to a patient are disclosed. Such a device can include a
hollow cylindrical member, a barrier sealing an opening of the member,
and a tether attached to the barrier so that the harrier at least
partially ruptures when the tether is pulled in a direction away from the
barrier. Such a method for mixing substances can include providing a
device with a first substance contained within the hollow cylindrical
member. The method can also include the step of inserting the device into
the barrel of an administering system, where the administering system
includes a second substance, and the step of pulling the component in a
direction away from the barrier such that the tether causes the barrier
to at least partially rupture.

Claims:

1. A device for facilitating the mixing of substances to form a mixture
that can be administered to a patient, the device comprising: a hollow
cylindrical member defining a first end and a second end; a barrier that
seals the opening in the first end of the member; and a tether attached
to the barrier such that when the tether is pulled in a direction away
from the barrier, the barrier at least partially ruptures.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a component configured to
seal the opening in the second end of the member.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the tether is attached to the
component.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the component comprises a plunger.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the component comprises rubber.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve attached to the
ether and configured to mate with the needle end of a syringe.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the tether is removably attached to the
barrier.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the hollow cylindrical member comprises
glass.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises foil.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises a polymer.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be
disposed within the barrel of a syringe.

12. A method of administering a substance to a patient, the method
comprising: providing a device comprising: a hollow cylindrical member
defining a first end and a second end; a barrier that seals the opening
in the first end of the member; and a tether attached to the barrier such
that when the tether is pulled in direction away from the barrier, the
barrier at least partially ruptures; providing a first substance
contained within the hollow cylindrical member; pulling the tether in a
direction away from the barrier causing the barrier to rupture; and
administering at least a portion of the first substance to a patient.

13. A device for facilitating mixing substances to form a mixture that
can be administered to a patient, the device comprising: a hollow
cylindrical member defining a first end and a second end; a barrier that
seals the opening in the first end of the member; and a component
comprising a tool, the component configured to seal the opening in the
second end of the member and to be movable within the hollow cylindrical
member allowing for the tool to break the seal of the barrier on the
opening in the first end of the member.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the tool comprises a polymer.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the tool comprises glass.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the component comprises a plunger.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the component comprises rubber.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein the hollow cylindrical member
comprises glass.

19. The device of claim 13, wherein the barrier comprises foil.

20. The device of claim 13, wherein the barrier comprises a polymer.

21. The device of claim 13, wherein the device is configured to be
disposed within the barrel of a syringe.

22. A method of administering a substance to a patient, the method
comprising: providing a device comprising: a hollow cylindrical member
defining a first end and a second end; a barrier that seals the opening
in the first end of the member; and a component comprising a tool, the
component configured to seal the opening in the second end of the member
and to be moveable within the hollow cylindrical member allowing for the
tool to break the seal of the barrier on the opening in the first, end of
the member; providing a first substance contained within the hollow
cylindrical member; pushing the component in the direction of the barrier
causing the tool to break the seal of the barrier on the opening in the
first end of the member; and administering at least a portion of the
first substance to a patient.

23. A device for facilitating mixing substances to form a mixture that
can be administered to a patient, the device comprising: a hollow
cylindrical member defining a first end and a second end; a barrier that
seals the opening in the first end of the member; a component configured
to seal the opening in the second end of the member; and a tether
attached to the barrier and component such that when the component is
pulled in a direction away from the barrier, the barrier at least
partially ruptures.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the component comprises a plunger.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the component comprises rubber.

26. The device of claim 23, wherein the hollow cylindrical member
comprises glass.

27. The device of claim 23, wherein the barrier comprises foil.

28. The device of claim 23, wherein the barrier comprises a polymer.

29. The device of claim 23, wherein the device is configured to be
disposed within the barrel of a syringe.

30. A method of mixing substances to form a mixture that can be
administered to a patient, the method comprising: providing a device
comprising: a hollow cylindrical member defining a first end and a second
end; a barrier that seals the opening in the first end of the member; a
component that is configured to seal the opening in the second end of the
member; and a tether attached to the barrier and component such that when
the component is pulled in a direction away from the barrier, the barrier
at least partially ruptures; providing a first substance contained within
the hollow cylindrical member; inserting the device into an administering
system, wherein the administering system includes a second substance; and
pulling the component in a direction away from the barrier such that the
tether causes the barrier to at least partially rupture and the first and
second substances to mix.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the administering system is a
syringe.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the administering system is a
sprayer.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the hollow cylindrical member
comprises glass

34. The method of claim 30, wherein, the barrier comprises foil.

35. The method of claim 30, wherein the barrier comprises a polymer.

36. A device for facilitating mixing substances to form a mixture that
can be administered to a patient, the device comprising: a hollow
cylindrical member defining a first end and a second end; a barrier that
seals the opening in the first end of the member; and a component that is
configured to seal the opening in the second end of the member, the
component configured to break the seal of the barrier on the opening in
the first end of the member when the component is pushed in the direction
of the barrier within the hollow cylindrical member.

37. The device of claim 36, wherein the component comprises a plunger.

38. The device of claim 37, wherein the component comprises rubber.

39. The device of claim 36, wherein the hollow cylindrical member
comprises glass.

40. The device of claim 36, wherein the barrier comprises foil.

41. The device of claim 36, wherein the harrier comprises a polymer.

42. The device of claim 36, wherein the device is configured to be
disposed within the barrel of a syringe.

43. A method of mixing substances to form a mixture that can be
administered to a patient, the method comprising: providing a device
comprising: a hollow cylindrical member defining a first end and a second
end; a barrier that seals the opening in the first end of the member; and
a component that is configured to seal the opening in the second end of
the member, the component configured to break the seal of the barrier on
the opening in the first end of the member when the component is pushed
in the direction of the barrier within the hollow cylindrical member;
providing a first substance contained within the hollow cylindrical
member; inserting the device into an administering system, wherein the
administering system includes a second substance; and pulling the
component in a direction away from the barrier such that the tether
causes the barrier to at least partially rupture and the first and second
substances to mix.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This international patent application claims the benefit of and
incorporates by reference herein the disclosures of U.S. Ser. No.
61/320,270, tiled Apr. 1, 2010, and U.S. Ser. No. 61/331,827, filed May
6, 2010.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The medical industry often administers pharmaceuticals and other
substances to patients through intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous,
intranasal, or subcutaneous delivery using syringes, sprayers, and
droppers. Such substances may include vaccines, proteins, peptides,
chemicals, antibodies, antivenoms, conjugated groups, nanoparticles,
anti-viral agents, drugs, sustained release vehicles, antibiotics,
anti-toxins, biological warfare agent antidotes, chemical warfare agent
antidotes, anesthesia medications, nausea medications, heart attack
medications, combinations of various pharmaceuticals and substances, and
many other agents. Many of the medical compounds used to form the
substances listed above are stored in solid form because of the increase
in shelf life and improved stability. These solid compounds must be mixed
with a solution before being administered to the body.

[0003] There are several devices and methods currently available that
allow medical personnel to mix and administer substances. However, these
current devices and methods have serious drawbacks. For example, the
current devices are difficult to manufacture and assemble. Also, the
assemblies that separate substances in current devices are prone to
leaks, which allow substances to prematurely mix with other substances.
In some cases, the devices have a solid bottom and have a stopper placed
in the opening to seal it. For such containers, the user typically has to
manually mix two components and then add the mixture into a drug
administration device. The current methods of mixing and administering
substances are complex and require many user interaction steps of which
some can be dangerous or cumbersome. Because many drugs are held in
liquid form, the current methods typically require refrigeration or have
decreased shelf life without refrigeration. As a result, there exists a
need for improved devices and methods for mixing and administering
substances in an effective and efficient manner.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure discloses a method and device for mixing
substances to form a mixture that can he administered to a patient.

[0005] In one embodiment, a device for mixing substances includes a hollow
cylindrical member defining a first end and a second end, a barrier
sealing the opening in the first end of the member, and a tether attached
to the barrier such that when the tether is pulled in a direction away
from the barrier, the barrier at least partially ruptures.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method of administering a substance to a
patient includes providing a substance having a hollow cylindrical member
defining a first end and a second end, a barrier that seals the opening
in the first end of the member, and a tether attached to the barrier such
that when the tether is pulled in a direction away from the barrier, the
barrier at least partially ruptures. The method also includes the steps
of providing a first substance contained within the hollow cylindrical
member, pulling the tether in a direction away from the barrier causing
the barrier to rupture, and administering at least a portion of the first
substance to a patient.

[0007] In another embodiment, a device for facilitating mixing substances
to form a mixture that can he administered to a patient includes a hollow
cylindrical member defining a first end and a second end, a barrier that
seals the opening in the first end of the member, and a component
comprising a tool that is configured to seal the opening in the second
end of the member and to be movable within the hollow cylindrical member
allowing for the tool to break the seal of the barrier on the opening in
the first end of the member.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method of administering a substance to a
patient includes providing a device having a hollow cylindrical member
defining a first end and a second end, a barrier that seals the opening
in the first end of the member, and a component comprising a tool that is
configured to seal the opening in the second end of the member and to be
moveable within the hollow cylindrical member allowing for the tool to
break the seal of the barrier on the opening in the first end of the
member. The method also includes the steps of providing a first substance
contained within the hollow cylindrical member, pushing the component in
the direction of the barrier causing the tool to break the seal of the
barrier on the opening in the first end of the member, and administering
at least a portion of the first substance to a patient.

[0009] In another embodiment, a device for facilitating mixing substances
to form a mixture that can be administered to a patient includes a hollow
cylindrical member defining a first end and a second end, a barrier that
seals the opening in the first end of the member, a component configured
to seal the opening in the second end of the member, and a tether
attached to the barrier and component such that when the component is
pulled in a direction away from the barrier, the barrier at least
partially ruptures.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method of mixing substances to form a
mixture that can be administered to a patient includes providing a device
having a hollow cylindrical member defining a first end and a second end,
a barrier that seals the opening in the first end of the member, a
component that seals the opening in the second end of the member, and a
tether attached to the barrier and component such that when the component
is pulled in a direction away from the barrier, the barrier at least
partially ruptures. The method also includes the steps of providing a
first substance contained within the hollow cylindrical member, inserting
the device into an administering system, wherein the administering system
includes a second substance, and pulling the component in a direction
away from the barrier such that the tether causes the barrier to at least
partially rupture and the first and second substances to mix.

[0011] In another embodiment, a device for facilitating mixing substances
to form a mixture that can be administered to a patient includes a hollow
cylindrical member defining a first end and a second end, a barrier that
seals the opening in the first end of the member, and a component that is
configured to seal the opening in the second end of the member, the
component configured to break the seal of the barrier on the opening in
the first end of the member when the component is pushed in the direction
of the barrier within the hollow cylindrical member.

[0012] In another embodiment, a method of mixing substances to form a
mixture that can be administered to a patient including providing a
device comprising a hollow cylindrical member defining a first end and a
second end, a barrier that seals the opening in the first end of the
member, and a component that is configured to seal the opening in the
second end of the member, the component configured to break the seal of
the barrier on the opening in the first end of the member when the
component is pushed in the direction of the barrier within the hollow
cylindrical member. The method also includes the steps of providing a
first substance contained within the hollow cylindrical member, inserting
the device into an administering system, wherein the administering system
includes a second substance, and pulling the component in a direction
away from the barrier such that the tether causes the barrier to at least
partially rupture and the first and second substances to mix.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of
attaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by reference
to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014]FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a device according to at least
one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015]FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1a disposed
within a barrel of a syringe.

[0016]FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of a device according to at least
one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017]FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 2a disposed
within a barrel of a syringe.

[0018]FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of a device according to at least
one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019]FIG. 3b shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 3a disposed
within a barrel of a syringe.

[0020]FIG. 3c shows a perspective view of a device according to at least
one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3d shows a perspective view of a device according to at least
one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022]FIG. 3e shows a perspective view of the device in FIG. 3d after the
stick of the plunger has interacted with the barrier.

[0023]FIG. 3f shows a perspective view of a device according to at least
one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 3g shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 3f disposed
within a barrel of a syringe.

[0025]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a device according to at least
one embodiment of the present disclosure disposed within a barrel of a
sprayer/dropper.

[0026]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a device according to at least
one embodiment of the present disclosure disposed within a barrel of a
syringe configured to be connected to an IV system.

[0027] FIGS. 6a, 7a, 8a show flowcharts of methods of using the devices in
FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c respectively.

[0029] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of
the present disclosure, reference will now he made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation
of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

[0030] FIGS. 1a, 2a, 3a, 3c, 3d, and 3f illustrate medical units according
to the present disclosure. The medical units can be used to facilitate
mixing of substances to form a drug or vaccine, which can then be
administered to a patient. As shown in FIGS. 1b, 2b, 3b, and 3g such
medical units may be configured to be disposed within the barrel of a
syringe. Of course, the medical units may be configured to be disposed
within any type of administration device, such as, for example, sprayers
(e.g., intranasal sprayers), droppers, luer-lok systems, and connectors
to various devices, including intravenous connection systems and
autoinjectors. For example, FIG. 4 shows a medical unit 401 within a
sprayer/dropper device 403, and FIG. 5 shows a medical unit 501 within a
syringe 503 that is configured to he connected to an intravenous system
or other system. As further described below, the medical units of the
present disclosure are configured to store one or more substances through
the use of a plug or barrier portion. The units are configured to allow a
user to rupture or dislodge the barrier portion so that the substance
contained in the unit may be mixed with another substance in
communication with the unit.

[0031] In FIG. 1a, a unit 100 is shown having a hollow cylindrical member
110. The member 110 has a hollow portion 112 and openings at its first
end 114 and its second end 118. The hollow portion 112 of the member 110
is typically configured to be able to store various types of gas, liquid
and solid substances. As shown in FIG. 1b, the member 110 may have an
outer diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of
the barrel of a syringe 405 or other administering system. The member 110
may typically be formed of glass but may be formed of other materials. As
shown in FIG. 1a, the unit 100 also includes a barrier 120 that seals the
opening of the member 110 at the first end 114 or is at least partially
disposed within the opening in the first end 114 such that the opening in
the first end 114 is sealed. The barrier 120 may be formed of various
rupturable materials including, but not limited to, foil, polymers, and
the like. The barrier 120 may also be formed of various other materials,
including, but not limited to, rubber.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1a, the unit 100 also includes a tether 125 that
is attached to the barrier 120. The barrier 120 can be ruptured or
dislodged by pulling the tether 125 in a direction away from the barrier
120. With the barrier 120 ruptured or dislodged, a substance stored in
the hollow portion 112 of the member 110 may escape from the unit 100 and
mix with one or more substances in an administering system (e.g.,
syringe) or one or more substances otherwise in communication with the
unit 100. As shown in FIG. 1b, when the unit 100 is disposed within, the
barrel of a syringe, the tether 125 may be threaded through the needle
407 of the syringe 405. The tether 125 may be configured to substantially
plug, block, or otherwise seal off the needle 407 such that a substance
contained in the barrel of the syringe 405 is restricted from engaging
the needle 407 while the tether 125 is disposed in the needle 407. In
some circumstances, substances may be destabilized by interacting with
the needle 407 or other metallic injection part. Therefore, by stopping
substances from contacting the needle 407 or other metallic injection
part, the tether 125 helps keep substances stable and in a condition to
be effective to the recipient of the injection, spray, drop, and the
like.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1b. the unit 100 may optionally include a
component 130 that is configured to seal the opening in the second end
118 of the member 110 and that optionally may be slidably received within
at least a portion of the hollow portion 112. In FIG. 1b, the component
130 is a plunger that can be moved within the hollow portion 112. It
should be noted that the component 130 may also be configured to move the
unit 100 within the barrel of the syringe 405 to push any substances or
mixtures located below the unit 100 within the barrel of the syringe 405
into the needle 407. For example, after the barrier 120 has been ruptured
or dislodged and the substance in the unit 100 has mixed with a substance
already in the barrel of the syringe 405, the unit 100 via forced applied
to the component 130 may push the mixed substances through the needle
407.

[0034]FIG. 2a shows a unit 200 that is similar to the unit 100 described
above except the tether 225 is attached to both the component 230 and the
barrier 220. FIG. 2b shows the unit 200 disposed within the barrel of a
syringe 505. The barrier 220 can be ruptured or dislodged by pulling the
component 230 in a direction away from the barrier 220. With the barrier
220 ruptured or dislodged, a substance stored in the hollow portion 212
of the member 210 may escape from the unit 200 and mix with one or more
substances in the barrel of a syringe or one or more substances otherwise
in communication with the unit 200.

[0035] In FIG. 3a, a unit 300 is shown having a hollow cylindrical member
310. The member 310 has a hollow portion 312 and openings at its first
end 314 and its second end 318. The hollow portion 312 of the member 310
is typically configured to be able to store various types of gas, liquid,
and solid substances. As shown in FIG. 3b, the member 310 may have an
outer diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of
the barrel of a syringe 605 or other administering system. The member 310
may typically be formed of glass but may be formed of other materials.
The unit 300 also includes a barrier 320. As shown in FIG. 3a, the
barrier 320 seals an opening in the member 310 at the first end 314 or is
at least partially disposed within the opening in the first end 314 such
that the opening in the first end 314 is sealed. The barrier 320 may he
formed of various rupturable materials including, but not limit to, foil,
polymers, and the like. The harrier 120 may also he formed of various
other materials, including, but not limited to, rubber.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3a, the unit 300 also includes a component 330
that is configured to seal the opening in the second end 318 of the
member 310 and that is slidably received within at least a portion of the
hollow portion 312. It should be noted that the component 330 may also be
configured to move the unit 300 within the barrel of the syringe 605 to
push any substances or mixtures within the barrel of the syringe 605 into
the needle 607 or through some other administering device. In FIG. 3b,
the component 330 is a plunger that can be moved within the hollow
portion 312.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3a, the component 330 includes a tool 340 that is
configured to rupture or dislodge the harrier 320. In other words, the
component 330 can be moved towards the harrier 320 so that the tool 340
engages the barrier 320 to dislodge or rupture the barrier 320. The tool
340 may be any type of instrument capable of rupturing or dislodging the
barrier 320, including, but not limited to, a needle, a sharp polymer or
glass object, a razor blade, a blunt instrument, and the like. With the
harrier ruptured 320 or dislodged, a substance stored in the hollow
portion 312 of the member 310 may be mixed with one or more substances in
a syringe or one or more substances otherwise in communication with the
unit 300.

[0038] For example, as shown in FIG. 3c, a unit 380 may include a
component 385 having a stick 386 that is configured to dislodge the
barrier 390. FIG. 3d shows the stick 386 that is off center. As shown in
FIG. 3e, as the component 385 and stick 386 in FIG. 3d are pushed into
contact with the barrier 390, the barrier 390 is dislodged. In a
dislodged configuration, the barrier 390 allows for substances in the
unit 380 to mix with substances in communication with the unit.

[0039] It should be noted that the barrier of a unit described, herein may
be dislodged or ruptured by simply applying pressure (via gas, liquid, or
solid) to the barrier or interacting with the barrier using the . A
plunger or the like may dislodge or rupture the barrier through increased
gas pressure, pressure force from a liquid, pressure force by a solid
substance, or by physical interaction between the plunger and barrier. An
example of such a unit is shown in FIG. 3f. In FIG. 3f, a unit 392 is
shown having a hollow cylindrical member 394. The member 394 has a hollow
portion 396 and openings at its first end 394a and its second end 394b.
The hollow portion 396 of the member 394 is typically configured to be
able to store various types of gas, liquid, and solid substances. As
shown in FIG. 3g, the member 394 may have an outer diameter that is
substantially the same as the inner diameter of the barrel of a syringe
605. The member 394 may typically be formed of glass but may be formed of
other materials. As shown in FIG. 3f, the unit 392 also includes a
barrier 398 that seals an opening of the member 394 at the first end 394a
or is at least partially disposed within the opening in the first end
394a such that the opening in the first end 394a is sealed. The barrier
398 may be formed of various rupturable materials including, but not
limited to, foil, polymers, and the like. The barrier 398 may also he
formed of various other materials, including, but not limited to, rubber.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3f, the unit 392 also includes a component 395
that is configured to seal the opening in the second end 394b of the
member 394 and that is movable within at least a portion of the hollow
portion 396. In FIG. 3g, the component 395 is a plunger that can be moved
within the hollow portion 396. It should he noted that the component 395
may also be configured to move the unit 392 within an administering
system, such as the barrel of a syringe 605, to push any substances or
mixtures within the administering system (e.g., within the barrel of the
syringe 605 into the needle 607). For example, after the barrier 398 has
been ruptured or dislodged and the substance in the unit 392 has mixed
with a substance already in the barrel of the syringe 605, the unit 392
via force applied to the component 395 may push the mixed substances
through the needle 607.

[0041] FIGS. 6a, 7a, and 8a illustrate methods of mixing substances to
form a mixture that can be administered to a patient according to the
present disclosure. The method 600 in FIG. 6a includes the step 602 of
providing the medical unit 100 described above with a first substance
contained, within the hollow portion of the hollow member. The method 600
also includes the step 604 of inserting the medical unit in at
administering system, which contains a second substance. As shown in FIG.
1b, the medical unit may be inserted in a syringe such that the end of
the unit with the barrier is closest, to the needle of the syringe. As
mentioned previously, the medical unit may alternatively be inserted,
into a sprayer, dropper, or other administering system. As shown in FIG.
6a, the method 600 also includes the step 606 of pulling the tether to
cause the barrier to rupture or dislodge, resulting in the first and
second substances mixing.

[0042]FIG. 6b is an illustration of the sequence of steps of using the
unit 100 and syringe 405 of FIG. 1b according to at least one embodiment
of method 600. In FIG. 6b, the tether 125 is initially coupled to a
protective sleeve or cap 950 that fits over the needle 407 of the syringe
407. As shown in FIG. 6b, the sleeve 950 is then removed causing tension
to be applied to the tether 125. With the tension on the tether 125, the
barrier 120 is dislodged from the unit 100 and the tether 125 separates
from the barrier 120. As noted above, the barrier 120 may rupture instead
of being dislodged. It should be noted that the syringe 405 may include
or operate alongside a system that is configured to pull on the tether
125 or remove the sleeve 950. The system may be initiated in various
ways, such as, for example, a user pressing a button. The system may be
spring-loaded or various other types of designs.

[0043] With the barrier 120 dislodged, a substance stored in the hollow
portion 112 of the member 110 may escape from the unit 100 and mix with
one or more substances stored in the barrel of the syringe. As shown in
FIG. 6b, the plunger 130 is pushed downward toward the needle to eject
the mixture comprising the mixed substances from the needle 407.

[0044] The method 700 in FIG. 7a includes the step 702 of providing the
medical unit 200 described above with a first substance contained within
the hollow portion of the hollow member. The method 700 also includes the
step 704 of inserting the medical unit in an administering system, which
contains a second substance. As shown in FIG. 2b, the medical unit may be
inserted in a syringe such that the end of the unit with the barrier is
closest to the needle of the syringe. As mentioned previously, the
medical unit may alternatively be inserted into a sprayer, dropper, or
other administering device. As shown in FIG. 7a, the method 700 also
includes the step 706 of pulling the component to cause the tether to
rupture or dislodge the harrier, resulting in the first and second
substances mixing.

[0045]FIG. 7b is an illustration of the sequence of steps of using the
unit 200 and syringe 505 of FIG. 2b according to at least one embodiment
of method 700. As shown in FIG. 6b, the component or plunger 230 is
pulled upwards causing the barrier 220 to be dislodged from the unit 200
and the tether 225 to separate from the barrier 220. As noted above, the
barrier 220 may rupture instead of being dislodged. With the barrier 220
dislodged or ruptured, a substance stored in the hollow portion 212 of
the member 210 may be mixed with one or more substances stored in the
barrel of the syringe. As shown in FIG. 7b, the plunger 230 is pushed
downward toward the needle to eject the mixture comprising the mixed
substances from the needle 507.

[0046] The method 800 in FIG. 8a includes the step 802 of providing the
medical unit 300 described above with a first substance contained within
the hollow portion of the hollow member. The method 800 also includes the
step 804 of inserting the medical unit in an administering system, which
contains a second substance. As shown in FIG. 3b, the medical unit may be
inserted in a syringe such that the end of the unit with the barrier is
closest to the needle of the syringe. As mentioned previously, the
medical unit may alternatively be inserted into a sprayer, dropper, or
other administering device. As shown in FIG. 8a, the method 800 also
includes the step 806 of pushing the component to cause the tool to
rupture or dislodge the barrier, resulting in the first and second
substances mixing.

[0047]FIG. 8b is an illustration of the sequence of steps of using the
unit 300 and syringe 605 of FIG. 3b according to at least one embodiment
of method 800. As shown in FIG. 8b, the component or plunger 330 having
the tool 340 is pushed towards the barrier 320, resulting in the barrier
320 being ruptured, or dislodged by the tool 340. With the barrier 320
ruptured or dislodged, a substance stored in the hollow portion 312 of
the member 310 may be mixed with one or more substances stored in the
barrel of the syringe. As shown in FIG. 8b, the plunger 330 is pushed
downward toward the needle to eject the mixture comprising the mixed
substances from the needle 607.

[0048] FIG. 9 is an illustration of the sequence of steps of using unit
392 and syringe 605 of FIG. 3g according to at least one embodiment of
method 800. As shown in FIG. 9, the component or plunger 395, is pushed
towards the barrier 398, resulting in the barrier 398 being ruptured or
dislodged. With the barrier 398 ruptured or dislodged, a substance stored
in the hollow portion 396 of the member 394 may be mixed with one or more
substances stored in the barrel of the syringe 605. As shown in FIG. 9,
the plunger 395 is pushed downward toward the needle 607 to eject the
mixture comprising the mixed substances from the needle 607.

[0049] It should also be noted that one or more of the medical units
described above may be placed in communication within a barrel of a
single syringe or another medical device. In other words, two or more of
the medical units described above may be placed in the barrel of a single
syringe such that a user may rupture each of the respective barriers to
mix the contents of all of the medical units. It should also be noted
that each medical unit described herein may he configured to store any
solids, liquids, or gases. The method and device described, above
provides the capability of rapidly mixing substances to form a mixture
with interaction by a user and administering the mixture to a patient.

[0051] It should also be noted that the medical units described above can
be fitted to a drug filling line to allow for depositing substances
within the units. The method and device of the present disclosure
eliminates operator error in mixing and checking the dosage of substances
to be administered because the drug is not drawn into the drug delivery
system from the container after a manual mixing.

[0052] While this disclosure has been described as having various
embodiments, these embodiments according to the present disclosure can be
further modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This
application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or
adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. A
practitioner may determine in a particular implementation that a
plurality of components of the disclosed assembly may he combined in
various ways, or that different components or different variations of the
components may be employed to accomplish the same results. A practitioner
may also determine in a particular implementation that a plurality of
steps of the disclosed method may be combined in various ways, or that
different steps or variations of the steps may be employed to accomplish
the same results. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the
present disclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims.
Furthermore, this application is intended to cover such departures from
the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the
art to which this disclosure pertains.

Patent applications by Peter M. Greco, Jr., Fishers, IN US

Patent applications by Rush L. Bartlett, Ii, West Lafayette, IN US

Patent applications by GLUCAGO LLC

Patent applications in class Requiring puncture of medicant package

Patent applications in all subclasses Requiring puncture of medicant package